If you’re contemplating starting a family independently or with a partner, it’s crucial to explore the various pathways available. Adoption is a significant option that comes in two primary forms: open adoption and closed adoption.
For those wishing to adopt, open adoption allows for a connection with the birth parents, possibly even involving interactions with the wider family. This can foster a relationship between the adopted child and their biological family. Conversely, some individuals prefer a closed adoption, where no identifying information is exchanged and no contact takes place between the birth and adoptive families. If you think closed adoption may suit your needs, you probably have several questions about how it works and what it entails.
In fact, closed adoption is a topic of interest for many, with around 1,600 searches each month. If you’re seeking more personalized guidance, consider consulting a social worker who can provide insights tailored to your situation.
Adopting a child can be an incredibly fulfilling experience for both the adoptive parents and the child. However, choosing the type of adoption is a pivotal decision that will affect everyone involved. So, what makes closed adoption the right choice for you? Let’s delve into the details.
What Exactly is Closed Adoption?
Closed adoption operates as its name suggests. In this scenario, the adoptive parents opt to maintain confidentiality, limiting or entirely eliminating contact with the birth parents. It’s possible that you might never learn the last names of your child’s birth parents, nor will they know yours. Essentially, the aim is to sever ties and minimize the exchange of personal information.
In contrast, open adoption involves a more transparent process, where birth parents can select from potential adoptive families and maintain contact during and after the pregnancy through various means, such as phone calls or visits. In semi-open adoptions, communication may occur through a neutral third party.
With closed adoption, however, there is no sharing of identities or any form of interaction between the birth and adoptive families. Occasionally, non-identifying details, like physical characteristics and medical history, may be provided to the adoptive parents.
How Does Closed Adoption Work?
Understanding the closed adoption process involves several key steps:
- Finding Suitable Parties: Both the birth parents and adoptive parents must agree that closed adoption is their preferred route. In agency adoptions, birth parents review profiles of potential adoptive families without any identifiable information.
- Limiting Pre-Adoption Contact: If working through an agency, it’s straightforward to restrict communication. The adoption specialist can relay pertinent information between parties. In independent adoptions, a mediator or attorney might set up a private communication method for updates.
- Custody Transfer: For infant adoptions, birth parents typically establish a hospital adoption plan with the assistance of the agency. After birth, once the birth mother consents to the adoption, physical custody is transferred to the adoptive parents.
- Post-Adoption Communication: While the goal is to avoid contact after adoption, it may be prudent for adoptive parents to establish a means of communication in case of emergencies, possibly through the agency or using a designated email or phone number.
Pros and Cons of Closed Adoption
Like any decision, closed adoption comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages that should be carefully evaluated.
For Birth Parents:
- Pros: The definitive nature of closed adoption can offer closure and privacy, alleviating the stress of being judged.
- Cons: Birth parents miss out on updates about their child’s life, leading to uncertainty about their well-being and the inability to build a future relationship.
For Adoptive Parents:
- Pros: Closed adoption eliminates worries about boundary issues with birth parents, allowing for autonomous parenting.
- Cons: Lack of access to the birth family’s medical history can make it challenging to address potential health concerns in the child.
For the Adopted Child:
- Pros: Clear boundaries can be established, protecting the child from an unstable biological family.
- Cons: The child may grow up with unanswered questions about their origins, which could leave them feeling disconnected from their identity.
Is It Possible to Open a Closed Adoption?
Generally, transforming a closed adoption into an open one is not straightforward. Once an adoption is finalized, a new birth certificate is issued, and the original records are sealed. However, in some cases, agencies or states may allow access to sealed documents. Consulting an adoption attorney can clarify the options available.
Are Closed Adoptions Still Common?
While closed adoptions were once prevalent, they now represent only about five percent of adoptions in the U.S. They remain more common for international adoptions. The costs for closed adoptions can vary significantly, with domestic adoptions ranging from $20,000 to $40,000 and international adoptions between $25,000 and $50,000, not including additional expenses like travel.
If you’re leaning towards a closed adoption, it’s essential to conduct thorough research. You might find that understanding the differences between open and semi-open adoptions can lead to a more informed decision. Resources such as Home Insemination Kit’s blog, Intracervical Insemination, and Facts About Fertility can provide valuable insights.
In summary, closed adoption is a significant commitment that comes with its own set of benefits and challenges. Weighing these factors carefully will help you determine if it is the right choice for you and your family.